Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened media mogul Rupert Murdoch with legal action following a report airing on one of Murdoch’s networks which has linked Trump more closely with deceased financier Jeffrey Epstein than previously believed, leading to increased tensions between them two powerful figures who once considered each other allies in politics.
Fox Nation broadcast a television segment Sunday which claimed to expose “new details” connecting Trump with Epstein’s private parties, including comments from anonymous sources suggesting he maintained contact longer than previously acknowledged. Trump denounced this report as false, defamatory and politically motivated while accusing Murdoch of orchestrating an orchestrated campaign aimed at discrediting him.
Trump posted his response on Truth Social and stated, “This hit piece is an absolute disgrace, filled with lies.” Murdoch has become nothing more than a puppet for radical Democrats to discredit him and attack Trump as president, so I am taking legal action against them and their failing media empire for defamation.
Trump’s legal team announced on Monday that they are filing suit against Fox Corporation alleging reckless disregard for truth and intentional damage to Trump’s reputation. Their demand includes full retractions as well as public apology from Murdoch and his network.
Sources close to former President Clinton claim he was taken aback by this segment and views it as a personal betrayal by Murdoch-owned publications critical coverage of Trump’s 2020 election claims and Capitol riot on January 6th.
“Trump feels that Murdoch has crossed a line,” according to one of his senior advisers. “This is no longer just politics or media spin – this is war.”
Murdoch and Trump had once shared an advantageous relationship that has since disintegrated. Fox News, specifically, played a pivotal role in Donald Trump’s election as president in 2016, offering favorable coverage and airtime on regular occasions – yet since Trump has faced increasing political and legal entanglement, coverage of him has significantly changed and even reversed itself in many instances.
Murdoch, 94 years old, has yet to respond publicly to Trump’s threats; however, sources within Fox suggest he remains confident in their reporting. A Fox Corporation spokesperson stated: “Our investigative journalism meets the highest standards, and we will vigorously defend its work.”
The Epstein report comes amid renewed public scrutiny of court documents related to Epstein’s sex-trafficking operation. President Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing or close ties with Epstein, has demanded the full release of all related court files so he may clear his name.
“This is a coordinated media assault,” Trump declared. “Let’s see everything and release everything.”
Political analysts contend the fallout could transform conservative media dynamics ahead of the 2024 election.
“Trump attacking Murdoch is a seismic shift,” according to media strategist Kelly Rowe. If this feud escalates further, it could fracture right-wing media landscape and force GOP voters to choose between Trump or Murdoch’s machine.”
As Donald Trump intensifies his campaign efforts while facing legal obstacles, his rising tension with Rupert Murdoch signals a new stage of the battle not just for control of the Republican narrative but for control over it as well.